New Years Day - This has been celebrated on January 1 in most English-speaking countries since the British calendar act was passed in 1751. Before that it had been observed on March 25. The first time the ball was dropped at Times Square in New York City was in 1908. See New Year Scrapbook Ideas.

Rose Parade - The first rose parade, with horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers, was in Pasadena, California in 1890. For more info see the Tournament of Roses. If the first is on a Sunday, the parade is on the second.

Z Day - People whose name starts with 'Z' get to go first for a change!

Daydreamers Day - Daydreaming is a normal altered state of consciousness. Highly creative people (about four percent of the population) spend more than half their time in elaborate daydreams. Generally psychologists consider daydreams as positive because they can help you deal with guilt or anxiety, reduce tension, escape from intolerable situations, combat boredom, and process information into long term memory. Of course, they can also keep you from focusing on the task at hand.

Buckle Up Day - The first mandatory seat belt law went into effect in New York in 1985. Kids are less likely to complain if adults buckles up as well, make it a rule that your car doesn't move until everyone is buckled up.

Ellis Island Day - Ellis Island first started processing immigrants in 1892. For more info see Ellis Island History.

Betsy Ross Day - For info about this seamstress and flag maker who was born on this day in 1752, visit the Betsy Ross Homepage.

Paul Revere Day - This patriot and silversmith, born on this day in 1735, was made famous by Longfellow's poem The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. For more info see The Paul Revere House website.

Income Tax Day - The first U.S. income tax was put in place in 1862. I would link to the IRS website but probably no one is interested in celebrating this day! See Tax Humor.

Traveler's Check Day - The first traveler's checks were issued in London in 1772 by the London Exchange Banking Company according to First Things First.

National Second-Hand Wardrobe Day - Don't think of second-hand clothes as used or 'hand-me-downs', think of them as 'broken in' so they are not stiff or scratchy like new clothes often are.

Can Opener Birthday - Tin cans were developed in 1813 as a way to preserve food. For many years people used whatever was handy to get the cans opened, often a hammer and chisel or sharp hunting knife. One of the earliest U.S. patents for a can opener was on this day in 1858 by Ezra J. Warner of Connecticut.

National Bird Day - A day established to emphasize the plight of captive birds and draw attention to the exploitation of birds in the U.S. pet industry. Organizers suggest we reflect upon the conditions of birds held in captivity. See Bird Poems and Quotes.

Divorce Day - The first legal divorce in North America was granted to Anne Clark in 1643. See DivorceSupport.com.

Feast of the Epiphany (aka Three Kings Day) - See the Epiphany website.

Birthday of Joan of Arc - Saint Joan of Arc was born on this day in 1412. At age 19 she was burned at the stake for her beliefs. See Saint Joan of Arc Center. You have to wonder how she would feel having a gift shop and CD in her honor.

Sherlock Holmes Day - Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The first story about Holmes was published in 1887. See sherlockian.net and Quotes about Authors.

National Smith Day - There are more than 2.3 million families with Smith (or its variants) as a last name. Unfortunately there is no place big enough to have a party that big so you will have to get together in small groups to celebrate.

I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore Day - Make a list of things big and small that really bother you. Brainstorm with friends and family to find ways to eliminate or lessen the impact of at least one item on the list.

Really Long Distance Day - The first transatlantic telephone service was started between New York and London in 1927. It cost $75 for a five minute call. See AT&T History.

Rampant Inflation Day - The cost of a U.S. postage stamp went from five cents to six cents in 1968. See Postal Rate History.

First Bank Day - The Bank of North America opened on this day in 1782. It was the first commercial bank in the U.S. See the Wikipedia article.

Jump in a Puddle and Splash Someone Day - Whoever created this day much live somewhere other than Kansas. All our puddles are frozen in January! See Rain Poems and Quotes.

Milk in a Bottle Day - On this day in 1878 milk was delivered in bottles for the first time. Drink Up! See Beverage Scrapbook Ideas.

Rhubarb Day - Rhubarb pie is great but rhubarb can also be used in muffins and other desserts. The first rhubarb was shipped from London, England to the U.S. in 1770 by Benjamin Franklin to a friend back home in the colonies. See The Rhubarb Compendium.

Designated Hitter Day - American League baseball adopted the 'designated hitter' rule in 1973. See Baseball Scrapbook Ideas.

Smoking is Bad for You Day - The Surgeon General of the U.S. officially declared cigarettes hazardous to your health in 1964. Many doctors and researchers had already figured out that cigarettes were bad for you years before. See The American Cancer Society.

Tattoo Pride Day - I know a lot of people who got tattoos and very much regretted it later--either they wish they hadn't got it at all or that they had got something quite different. Anyone thinking of getting a tattoo might want to first talk to people at least ten years older who have a tattoo to get their thoughts. See Tattoo Quotes.

Museum Day - The first public museum opened in Charleston, South Carolina in 1773. Check out the museums in your area.

National Handwriting Day - This was established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association to honor the birthday of John Hancock (born in 1737). He was first to sign the Declaration of Independence. See Scrapbook Journaling Ideas.

Everett Barney Day - On this day in 1866 Everett Barney was awarded a patent for a roller skate that clamped on the sole of your shoes and was tightened with a key. That is the kind of skate I had as a kid in the fifties. They were adjustable so you could use the same ones for several years. See Skating Poems and Quotes.

Fig Newton Day - Newtons now come in serval different flavors so you can pick your favorite.

Inflatable Tire Day - The birthday of Andre Michelin who invented the inflatable auto tire. See Car Scrapbook Ideas.

National Religious Freedom Day - On this day in 1786 Thomas Jefferson's Statute for Religious Freedom was adopted by the Virginia General Assembly. This statute formed the basis for separation of church and state that gave freedom of religion to all Americans. See Faith and Religion Poems and Quotes.

Forget Your New Year's Resolution Day - Most people have probably forgotten them long before now. However, if you have managed to stick to a resolution this long don't stop. If you can do something for seventeen days there is a good chance it will soon become a habit.

Photo Developing Day - An automatic film-developing machine was patented by Anatol M. Josepho in 1925. See Photography Scrapbook Ideas.

Shari Lewis Day - Shari, born on this day in 1933, was a puppeteer, ventriloquist and author. She is most remembered for her puppet 'Lambchop'.

Birthday of Cassius Clay (aka The Greatest) - Clay, born in 1942, was a boxer who later took the name Mohammad Ali. He won the heavyweight champion title in 1964, 1974, 1978. Many people do not know that he recorded a pretty good version of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" in 1966. See Boxing Poems and Quotes.

Rid the World with Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day - Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about the best weight loss plan for you.

Cable Car Day - A cable car system was patented by Andrew S. Hallidie of San Francisco, California. It was put into operation in 1873.

Customer Service Day - Thank those who provide good customer service. But please do not ask for a supervisor to tell them what good service you just received. In most call centers, reps are graded down for long call times, transfers and holds. And in most cases they do not even keep track of when a customer gives you kudos.

J.C. Penney Birthday - J.C. Penney Company was incorporated on this day in 1913.

Operation Desert Storm Anniversary - Operation Desert Storm began on this day in 1991.

Birthday of Benjamin Franklin - Franklin, born in 1706, was a very well-rounded individual. Not only was he a political figure but he invented bifocals, the lightening rod, the Franklin stove, and many other useful things.

Saint Anthony the Great Feast Day - Saint Anthony the Great lived from 251 - 356. He is called on for help against infectious diseases, especially skin diseases.

Thesaurus Day - Peter Mark Roget was born on this day in 1779. He was a physician and inventor but is best remembered for compiling a thesaurus.

Unsliced Bread Day - From this day in 1943 until the end of WWII, commercial bakers sold whole loaves of bread only and the consumer had to slice it.

Metric System Day - Unfortunately the metric system has still not been adopted in the U.S. This means millions of children having to remember that one foot is twelve inches but one pound is sixteen ounces and many other complicated units of measurement.

Squirrel Appreciation Day - Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina started this day on January 21, 2001. Christy, a wildlife rehabilitator, is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Nature Center. See Squirrel Poems and Quotes.

Birthday of Stonewall Jackson - This Confederate general, known for tactics, was born in 1824. His death was a major setback for the Confederacy.

National Polka Dot Day - Wear something with polka dots. If you don't have something put dots on an old t-shirt, or each other, with a marker. Use a washable marker, of course!

Talk to Your Cat Day - It's hard to tell if my cat likes to be talked to but she rarely argues with me. See Cat Scrapbook Ideas.

Come in From the Cold Day - Instead of just watching TV until it is warm enough to go outside again, find some indoor hobbies, games and activities to participate in. Winter is a great time for scrapbooking. See Winter Scrapbook Ideas.

Pie Day - Pie Day was created by the American Pie Council. It started in 1986 to commemorate Crisco's 75th anniversary of "serving foods to families everywhere." If you have never made a pie from scratch try it today. It isn't as hard as you might think. See Pie Poems and Quotes.

Measure Your Feet Day - Trace both feet on paper and see how they compare. Most people will find differences. See Feet Poems and Quotes.

Brrr! It's Cold Day - In 1971 the temperature in Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska was 80 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. That is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States. See Weather Poems and Quotes.

Women in Medicine Day - In 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the U.S. to receive a medical degree.

Better Business Communication Day - If you have an idea, speak up. The worst your company can do is ignore it.

Women's Healthy Weight Day 2020 (Thursday of the third full week)  This is part of Healthy Weight Week. Check out BodyPositive for ideas on being healthy and happy at the weight you are and finding your ideal weight.

Clashing Clothes Day 2020 (fourth Thursday) - Some people seem to celebrate this holiday every day.

Compliment Day - This was started in 1998 by authors, Kathy Chamberlin and Debby Hoffman, both of New Hampshire. Just for today compliment every person you see. Hopefully the results will encourage you to continue. See Kindness Poems and Quotes.

Microwave Oven Birthday - The microwave oven was patented on this day in 1950 by Percy Spencer. This has to be one of the top ten inventions of the twentieth century.

Eskimo Pie Day - The Eskimo Pie was patented by Christian K. Nelson of Iowa in 1922.

Gold Rush Day - Gold was discovered at Sutters Mill, California in 1848.

Heart to Heart Day - The first heart transplant surgery was in 1964.

TV Game Show Day - Mark Goodman, long time game show host was born on this day in 1915. There is a long list of game show hosts on Wikipedia.

Beer Can Appreciation Day - The first canned beer was placed on sale by the Krueger Brewing Company in Richmond, VA in 1935. See Beer Quotes.

Women's Healthy Weight Day 2019 (Thursday of the third full week)  This is part of Healthy Weight Week. Check out BodyPositive for ideas on being healthy and happy at the weight you are and finding your ideal weight.

Clashing Clothes Day 2019 (fourth Thursday) - Some people seem to celebrate this holiday every day.

National Opposite Day - Kids really get into the spirit of this and find it quite fun to say the opposite of what they mean.

101 Dalmatians Birthday - The original 101 Dalmatians movie was released on this day in 1961.

Long Distance Day - The first transcontinental phone call was in 1915 between Alexander Graham Bell in New York and his assistant, Thomas Watson, in San Francisco. Call a friend from another state and then see Phone Poems and Quotes.

Television Birthday - The television was invented in 1926. Sometimes I am not sure if that is something to celebrate or not.

Rocky Mountain National Park Anniversary - On this day in 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill that created Rocky Mountain National Park.

Dental Drill Day - The electric dental drill was patented by Dr. George F. Green of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1975. Having a cavity drilled is not fun but try to imagine what it would have been like with a non-electric drill! See Dentist Poems and Quotes.

Australia Day - This commemorates the first British settlement in Australia in 1788. As with Columbus Day in the U.S., the holiday if not celebrated by native Australians. See more info on WikipediA.

Chocolate Cake Day - Almost everyone likes chocolate cake. I prefer it with caramel icing like my grandmother used to make. See Dessert Scrapbook Ideas.

Let There Be Light Day - The electric incandescent lamp was patented in 1880 by Thomas Alva Edison of Menlo Park, New Jersey. Try going a full day with no artificial light.

Bubble Warp Appreciation Day 2020 (last Monday) -
Bring out that bubble wrap you were saving for packing and have fun. Walk on it, see who can pop bubbles the loudest or the quickest, etc. Some people find that popping bubble wrap relieves stress. See the Bubble Wrap Appreciation website.

Birthday of Lewis Carroll - Carroll best known as the author of Alice in Wonderland was born in 1832. His real name was Charles Dodgson. See Quotes about Authors.

Mozart Day - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born on this day in 1756, was a musician and composer. If you don't have any classical music, do a search online for some to listen to. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. See the Mozart Project and Music Poems and Quotes.

National Activity Professionals Day - A good activity professional can greatly improve the quality of life of care home residents.

National Geographic Day - The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - This was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. It is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. If your parents or grandparents have told you personal memories from that time, encourage them to write them down, or have you write them down. It is important that we never forget what happened. For more info see the Holocaust Memorial Day.

National Blueberry Pancake Day - If you are in a hurry you can put blueberry syrup on regular pancakes. See Food Poems and Quotes.

Bubble Warp Appreciation Day 2019 (last Monday) -
Bring out that bubble wrap you were saving for packing and have fun. Walk on it, see who can pop bubbles the loudest or the quickest, etc. Some people find that popping bubble wrap relieves stress. See the Bubble Wrap Appreciation website.

Daisy Day - Someone you know would probably appreciate a bouquet of daisies or seeds to plant in their garden. See Flower Poems and Quotes.

National Kazoo Day - Alabama Vest of Georgia conceived the idea for the kazoo in the 1840's and had Thaddeus Von Clegg make it to his specifications. Commercial production didn't start until 1912. Kazoos are easy to play. Simply hum a tune into the kazoo.

Make Your Point Day - When you have something important to say it often helps to list the key points and practice ahead of time.

Serendipity Day - Read this article on Wikipedia and then discuss moments in your life where serendipity played a part.

Number Please Day - The first telephone exchange was established in New Haven, Connecticut in 1878 with twenty-two subscribers. See Phone Poems and Quotes.

Fun at Work Day - Be careful not to have so much fun that you get fired! See Business Humor.

Christa McAuliffe Day - The space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launching in 1986, killing six professional astronauts and school teacher Christa McAuliffe. McAuliffe had been chosen from a long list of volunteers to ride along.

Sugar Cone Day - A machine to make rolled sugar cones for ice cream was patented by Carl R. Taylor of Cleveland, Ohio in 1924. Even if it's cold outside you can still enjoy an ice cream cone inside where it's warm. See The History of Ice Cream Cones and Ice Cream Scrapbook Ideas.

National Corn Chip Day

National Jigsaw Puzzle Day - Jigsaw puzzles are fun to do on a day when it's too cold to be outside. See Puzzle Scrapbook Ideas.

Birthday of Oprah Winfrey - Well-known talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, was born on this day in 1954.

Seeing Eye Dog Day - The Seeing Eye was incorporated in 1929 in Nashville, Tennessee to train guide dogs for the blind. See The Seeing Eye for more info.

Freethinkers Day - Thomas Paine was born on this day in 1736. He was the author of The Declaration of Independence and the first to use the phrase 'these United States of America'. He was one of the earliest advocates for freeing slaves and for basic human rights.

Birthday of President William McKinley (born in 1843) - He was the twenty-fifth president. Carnations were McKinley's favorite flower and a patriotic group dedicated to preserving his memory is known as The Carnation League of America.

Croissant Day - A Croissant is good any time. Have one for breakfast with strawberry jam. Have one for lunch, split with ham, cheese and mayo. Have one for dinner with your steak and potato. Have a glazed one for dessert (check your grocer's bakery section or use the same glaze you would on donuts).

Bye Bye Beatles Day - The Beatles made their last public appearance in London in 1969. Though the group was active for less than a decade, they made a lasting impression on millions of fans.

National Inane Answering Machine Day - If you like to amuse your friends with your voice mail message, scroll down this file for some ideas.

Cash Register Birthday - On this day in 1883 James and John Ritty were granted a patent for a cash register. One purpose was to add sales correctly but the main purpose was to keep the employees in Jame's saloon from stealing profits. The cash drawer couldn't be opened except by pushing the total key. A bell would ring every time the total key was pressed to alert him to watch that the money went in the register and not in the employee's pocket. See Money Poems and Quotes.

Lone Ranger Day - The show was on the radio the first time in 1933. There is still a Lone Ranger Fan Club. For several years there has been talk of a Lone Ranger movie but it is not yet in production as of 2010.

Jackhammer Day - The pneumatic jackhammer was patented in 1894 by Charles B. King of Detroit, Michigan.

Birthday of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (born in 1882) - He was the thirty-second president.

Backwards yaD - Start in the morning by having your child put their shirt on backwards and have dinner foods for breakfast. End the day by having cereal for dinner and wearing a t-shirt and shorts to bed. In between they can sit backwards on a chair, walk backwards, etc. I am sure they will be able to think of lots of fun things to do.

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day - Encourage your child to draw or paint a picture with no direction, suggestion or correction from you. Even better create along with them. See Art Scrapbook Ideas.

Hell is Freezing Over Day - Make a list of things you have said or thought in the past that you would never do. Think about each one to see if you still feel the same way (you may have already done some of them!).

Thermos Bottle Day - The American Thermos Bottle Company was incorporated on this day in 1907.

Twist Off Cap Day - The twist off bottle cap was invented in 1956. That took the place of the clamped-on bottle cap, invented in 1892, that required an opener to remove. Previous to that corks were used.

Social Security Day - The first Social Security check, for $22.54, was issued on this day in 1940 to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont. That would be $350.92 of buying power in 2010 dollars. She had paid in $24.75 between 1937 and 1939 on an income of less than $2,500. See the U.S. Inflation Calculator and Social Security History.

Child Labor Day - The next time your child complains about having to take out the trash, go to The History Place and show him/her what life was like for many children a hundred years ago in America (and sadly still is in some countries).

Celebration of Life Month - Celebrate the fact that you and your loved ones were born and discuss all your blessings. Better yet, create a Gratitude ABC Album.

It's OK to Be Different Month - This month is dedicated to all those who 'march to the beat of a different drummer' - whether because of different abilities or personal choice. There is a wonderful book by Todd Parr for ages 4 - 8 called It's Okay to Be Different. There is another book with the same title for children 8  12 by Joyce Williard Teal. It is more subtle but still a good book. See Tolerance Poems and Quotes.

National Hobby Month - As declared by the city of Santa Clarita, California in 2000. Congress has had joint resolutions asking for other months to be declared hobby month but I couldn't find that a president signed them. See Hobby Scrapbook Ideas.

Life Balance Month - It can be very difficult to balance the various parts of your life. Even if you think you have a good balance you will need to rethink things as your life changes - getting married, having children, children leaving home, getting divorced, changing careers, retiring, etc.

National Radio Month - See The Radio Entrepreneurs website for stories about the history of radios and the people who made it all possible.

International Get Over It Month  Talk to a counselor, talk to a friend, make amends, or do whatever needs to be done to put the problem behind you. See Forgiveness Poems and Quotes which also includes 'letting go' as an alternative to forgiving.

International Creativity Month  Several people have designated a 'creativity month'. One of them is author, Randall Munson. He helps people and businesses get ahead by using creativity and innovation.

National Book Blitz Month  This is a time for authors to promote their own books. Write to your favorite author. The publisher will usually forward a letter if you don't have an address. See Quotes about Authors.

Love Your Independent Bookstore Month  If you are lucky enough to have an independent bookstore in your area, take the time to visit. It will likely be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

National High Tech Month - This was designated by Congress in 1985 as being in October but most calendars now list it in January. The earliest mention I could find of it being in January was in 1999 on a now-deleted page of the Richard Bland College Library website. See Technology-Related Poems and Quotes.

Human Resources Month  This is a time for HR Departments to honor their own staff.

National Financial Wellness Month - Take a little time to set up a filing system for next year's taxes and you will save a lot of time at the end of the year. Create a budget that will help pay off debts early and save on interest. See Finance Poems and Quotes.

National Soup Month - The most well-known soup in America is Campbells.

International Coffee Gourmet Month  Save money and time by making your own gourmet coffee at home. There are mixes available but you can make your own using these
Recipes. For using coffee in desserts see INeedCoffee. Also see Coffee Quotes.

Family Fit Lifestyle Month  Get the entire family involved in eating a healthy diet and exercising for fitness. Set a specific time to bike, hike or run together, take turns preparing healthy meals, look up tips on the internet, give prizes, set goals, etc. See Fitness Poems and Quotes.

National Glaucoma Awareness Month - As observed by the National Eye Institute.

Clinical Trial Awareness Month - Clinical trials are scientific research studies testing ways to prevent or treat diseases. Patients with terminal or life-altering medical problems may find this their only hope if other treatments don't work.

No Name-Calling Week
(third work week)
I don't know who wrote "sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never hurt you", but we all know it isn't true.

Creative Frugality Week
(fourth week)
There are many websites to help you live well for less. For frugal scrapbooking ideas, see Thrifty Paper Use.

Hot Air Balloon Week
(fourth week)
I used to live where there were a lot of balloonists. My horse was terrified of hot air balloons so I am not a fan. If you are a fan, there's no better place than Albuquerque.